Android - Open Source Mobile Phone Platform

What is Android

Android is a comprehensive software platform for mobile phone handsets introduced by Google Inc. and based on the Linux operating system. Under patronage of the Open Handset Alliance it is supposed to implement open source standards to the vast variety of mobile devices. Google's Android platform includes an operating system, user-interface and applications.

Why is Android so revolutionary

Android platform is open - it allows custom software access the mobile device functionality with ease.
It is equal to all applications - no matter whether it is phone's pre-installed or 3-rd party software. Android treats it the same granting full access to mobile device features.
Unlimited functionality - combination of mobile phone data with the application functionality gives developers boundless field for creating robust Android applications.
Creative and usable mobile phone applications are now really possible - even before first Android device is available the Open Handset alliance introduced Android platform SDK (software development kit). It includes all the tools necessary for productive Android software/applications development.

OHA - Open Handset Alliance

Open Handset Alliance is a group of more than 30 technology and mobile companies who consolidated their efforts in creating brand new open source mobile device platform. Android promising solution is destined to bring benefits to all participants of mobile devices market.

Consumers obtain cheaper though functional cellular handset devices with upgradeable operating system and variety of phone's basic and 3-rd party software.
Mobile providers can benefit from extended localization and customization features based on open Android platform concept. This makes possible to widen the variety of supported services and providing ultimate user-friendly solutions to mobile operators services.
Hardware and semiconductor companies are granted with opportunity to inculcate the most cutting edge hardware/chipset solutions to handheld devices. They commit their exclusive technology knowledge to Android project enhancing user experience from new hardware facilities.
With Android powered mobile devices software companies and developers reveal for themselves a solid background for customization existing software products and developing new applications for one of the most numerous audience of mobile handset users in the world.

Android Developer Challenge

Android Developer Challenge is Google's kickstart for standalone developers, teams of developers and just creative people who know how to bring delightful user experience with innovative software solutions built on Android platform. $10 million in awards for pioneer products can be won by almost any person in the world in two stages.

Submit your redhot application until March 3 to receive $25,000 award for future development. 50 winning Android apps will be selected for their innovation built to utilize the advantages of Android platform device capabilities and make the users undergo unique enjoyment from using the developed application.
Second stage of Android developer challenge is to acknowledge 20 really best Android apps from those who will win Android developer challenge I with even more attractive awards of $275,000 and $100,000.

From now everyone can win with us. As there is no one who knows better how to make winning software than consumers themselves we invite everybody to take part in Android Developer Challenge with us.